Clarke, Harris, Siddle to rest for Test

Australian captain Michael Clarke and frontline pacemen Ryan Harris and Peter Siddle are to miss this week's Sheffield Shield round ahead of the first Ashes Test.

With Clarke managing his well-documented back injury problem and Australia's fast bowling ranks decimated by an injury crisis, the selectors are taking no chances with the key trio.

Instead of playing for their states, the skipper, Harris and Siddle will head to Cricket Australia's new high performance centre in Brisbane to continue preparing for the opening Test at the Gabba starting on November 21.

Australian team coach Darren Lehmann said the decision to keep Clarke out of NSW's Shield clash with Queensland in Brisbane was a "sensible" precaution.

"We're very pleased with Michael's preparation ahead of the first Test.

"The plan for his Ashes build-up was to play two Sheffield Shield matches, which he has done successfully.

"He has spent valuable time in the middle batting and fielding.

"Importantly his back has coped well in both matches, but we will continue to take a sensible and cautious approach to managing him.

Harris has been made unavailable for the Queensland team to play NSW while Siddle is ruled out of Victoria's team to play Tasmania.

"On the fast bowling front, Ryan and Peter are both in great condition," said Lehmann.

"As part of their management plan, they will continue their preparation under the guidance national coaching staff in Brisbane over the coming days."

The Australian squad for the first Test will be announced on Tuesday.

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